The European Commission’s proposed AI Liability Directive will make it easier for individuals and companies to sue makers of drones equipped with artificial intelligence software for compensation for harm caused by them, according to many press reports.
“The AI Liability Directive aims to address the increasing use of AI-enabled products and services and the patchwork of national rules across the 27-country European Union,” reports Reuters. “Under the draft rules, victims can seek compensation for harm to their life, property, health and privacy due to the fault or omission of a provider, developer or user of AI technology, or for discrimination in a recruitment process using AI.
“We want the same level of protection for victims of damage caused by AI as for victims of old technologies,” said Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders.
According to the European Commission website in its September 28 statement.:
“Today, the Commission adopted two proposals to adapt liability rules to the digital age, circular economy and the impact of global value chains. Firstly, it proposes to modernise the existing rules on the strict liability of manufacturers for defective products (from smart technology to pharmaceuticals). The revised rules will give businesses legal certainty so they can invest in new and innovative products and will ensure that victims can get fair compensation when defective products, including digital and refurbished products, cause harm. Secondly, the Commission proposes for the first time a targeted harmonisation of national liability rules for AI, making it easier for victims of AI-related damage to get compensation. In line with the objectives of the AI White Paper and with the Commission’s 2021 AI Act proposal, setting out a framework for excellence and trust in AI – the new rules will ensure that victims benefit from the same standards of protection when harmed by AI products or services, as they would if harm was caused under any other circumstances.”
For more information
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5807
https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-proposes-rules-making-it-easier-sue-drone-makers-ai-systems-2022-09-28/
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